Fashion Institute of Technology Athletics

Vanessa Bennish was born and raised in Salisbury, Maryland, and is the daughter of John and Alison Bennish. Beginning recreational volleyball in elementary school, Vanessa moved forward to play for Delmarva Juniors, a travel club team, from the sixth grade through her senior year of high school. Amidst this time, the club undertook new ownership and was re-titled as the Eastern Shore Elite Volleyball Academy. During her high school career, Vanessa also played for Parkside High's Varsity Volleyball team all four years. Throughout this time, Vanessa was deemed a Bayside South first team player four consecutive years, and in 2013 was named the Bayside South Conference-wide Player of the Year. In 2013, Vanessa was also named by the Daily Times as delmarva's Seasonal Athlete of the Year. From 2012-2014, she was named Parkside High's Most Valuable Player, and was team captain during her senior year. Vanessa attributes her success to phenomenal coaches Craig Hollidge, from Delmarva Juniors, and Richard Wood, from Parkside High. She looks forward to her second year playing at FIT, alongside a wonderful team of girls!